BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2142

By: Simmons

Intergovernmental Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

According to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report compiled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 28,000 Texans were experiencing homelessness, with 44 percent of those individuals unsheltered. The bill author has informed the committee that while homelessness is a well-reported issue in Texas, the feasibility of using certain models to mitigate homelessness requires more investigation. H.B. 2142 seeks to discover ways to mitigate the current homelessness crisis by requiring the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to conduct a study on the feasibility of homelessness-reduction strategies, including the use of small dwelling units and community development services and plans.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2142 requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to conduct a study on the feasibility of using a model to address homelessness in Texas that is based on the following components:

· partnerships with public institutions of higher education, private entities, and local governments; and

· the use of small dwelling units, as defined by TDHCA, and community development services and plans provided through programs at institutions of higher education.

The bill requires TDHCA, not later than December 31, 2026, to prepare and submit a written report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature that includes a summary of the results of the study and any recommendations for legislative or other action based on those results. The bill's provisions expire September 1, 2027.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.